Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his jayanti

=====================================Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya pays tribute to Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri on his jayanti

===============================

Stringent action to be taken on violation of model code of conduct and influencing voters - Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal

Chandigarh, October 2 - Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, stated that strict action will be taken against violations of the Model Code of Conduct and attempts to influence voters. This was mentioned in light of recent Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission observed instances where certain political parties and candidates engaged in activities that blur the lines between legitimate surveys and partisan efforts to register individuals for beneficiary-oriented schemes and personal benefits. These efforts were carried out under the guise of conducting surveys, raising awareness about existing government schemes, or informing voters about potential personal benefits included in party manifestos.

The Chief Electoral Officer informed that through newspaper advertisements, individual voters were encouraged to register themselves for benefits by giving missed calls or calling on a telephone number. Pamphlets, including guarantee cards detailing potential personal benefits, were also distributed, with attached forms asking for voters’ personal details such as name, age, address, mobile number, booth number, constituency name, and number. If found in violation, action will be taken under Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Section 171 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

He emphasized that inviting individual voters to register for benefits seems to create a perception of a one-to-one relationship between the voter and the proposed benefit. This has the potential to establish a quid-pro-quo arrangement, inducing voters to be swayed in a particular way. Sometimes these pamphlets do not carry the publisher's name, which directly violates Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Sh. Pankaj Agarwal further explained that while the Election Commission acknowledges that general electoral promises are permissible, specific and personal transactions that appear to entice voters into voting a certain way in exchange for future benefits are prohibited under Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Such acts also violate Section 171 of the BNS, which deals with bribery-an offence related to elections.

Therefore, the Commission directs all political parties, candidates, their agents, or any other persons to immediately cease and desist from any activities related to registering individuals for beneficiary-oriented schemes by collecting personal data through advertisements (in print or digital media), pamphlets, websites, web or mobile applications, text or social media platforms (such as WhatsApp), missed calls, form distribution, or offline/digital surveys. Violators will face action under Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Section 171 of BNS.

Sh. Agarwal also informed that if such violations are found, the District Election Officer will take action according to statutory procedures. Directions have been issued to the district election officers in this regard.

=====================================Strict Action to be taken against election duty disruptors - CEO

Imprisonment up to 10 years for obstructing election officers & officials - CEO

Chandigarh, October 2 - Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal said that polling parties will depart for polling stations on October 4 for the 2024 Assembly general elections in the state. He informed that strict action will be taken against the anti social elements and political parties if they will try to create disturbance during the election duty using their influence.

Sh. Agarwal said that individuals who disrupt the polling process or disobey the orders of the presiding officer within the polling station may be taken out of the polling station by police personnel on duty. If such individuals re-enter the polling station without the presiding officer's permission, they may be arrested. Under Section 132 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, these individuals could face up to three months of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

*Provision for a 2-year imprisonment for bringing weapons to polling booths*

He further said that bringing weapons to a polling station is a serious offense. Only the Returning Officer, Presiding Officer, police officers, or designated personnel are permitted to carry weapons inside polling stations. Anyone else caught with a weapon may face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both, under Section 134B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Sh. Agarwal further said that if the presiding officer suspects someone of removing or tampering with ballot papers or electronic voting machines (EVMs), they have the authority to arrest that person or direct police to do so. Under Section 135 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, offenders can face up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Provision of punishment up to 2 years for fraudulently destroying the official symbol on the ballot paper or EVM

It was informed that under Section 136 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, anyone who fraudulently defaces or destroys a ballot paper, EVM, or any official symbol may face penalties. If committed by an officer or clerk on election duty, the punishment can be up to two years of imprisonment or a fine, or both. For others, the punishment may be up to six months of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Sh. Agarwal stressed that causing injury to a public servant in an effort to prevent them from performing their duties can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment upto 10 years and a fine.